Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2004) will be critical for optimizing the stratifi ed scaffolds designed for interface
regeneration.
17.6 SUMMARY AND CHALLENGES IN INTERFACE
TISSUE ENGINEERING
Interface tissue engineering is an emerging research area that focuses on the inte-
gration of soft tissue to bone by regenerating the functional transition between
these distinct tissue types. Building upon previous advances in tissue engineering,
interface tissue engineering aims to develop innovative technologies for multi-
tissue regeneration, with the extended goal of addressing the challenges of
biological fi xation of tissue-engineered grafts with each other and with the host
environment. Current efforts in interface tissue engineering are guided by the
working hypothesis that tissue-to-tissue interfaces may be regenerated by con-
trolling the interaction between relevant cell types using a stratifi ed scaffold with
a pre-designed biomimetic gradient of structural and functional properties.
The success of any interface tissue engineering effort will require a systematic
characterization of the structure-function relationship existing at the native
insertion site, as well as the elucidation of the mechanisms governing interface
regeneration. While the majority of research in this fi eld has focused on interface
formation, the engineering of multiple tissue types must also address the problem
of maintaining the stability of pre-formed tissue regions. Moreover, the effects of
biological, physical and chemical stimulation on interface regeneration are not
known and must be investigated. These understandings will be instrumental for
formulating the optimal tissue engineering strategies for interface regeneration
and the formation of complex musculoskeletal tissue systems.
In summary, interface tissue engineering via the regeneration of an anatom-
ical soft tissue-to-bone interface will enable long term graft function and bio-
logical fi xation. The multi-phasic scaffold design principles and co-culturing
methodologies optimized through interface tissue engineering can lead to the
realization of integrative fi xation devices for orthopedic repair. Moreover, by
bridging distinct tissue types, interface tissue engineering will be instrumental for
the ex vivo development and in vivo translation of integrated musculoskeletal
tissues with biomimetic complexity and functionality.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge all collaborators and members
of the Biomaterials and Interface Tissue Engineering Laboratory at Columbia
University who have contributed to our interface tissue engineering research
program. We would also like to thank Columbia University Science and Technol-
ogy Ventures, the Whitaker Foundation, the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, and
the National Institutes of Health (NIAMS), and National Science Foundation
GK-12 Graduate Fellowship (KLM, JPS) for supporting our studies.
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